This is the world of Earth in my universe, where I and my fellow Game Masters are the sole powers. This universe is ours to shape to our will, and those that defy us cease to exist.In the center of this universe resides the planet known as Earth. Being the center of the universe, this blue world has a special significance to us Game Masters, and so many cosmic events shall involve or focus on this infintismal, yet important sphere. This is by design, not accident. Unfortunately for the planet, they know not of our existence, nor their importance in this universe. They simply exist in a world they think they control.

To most of the people on this world, everyday life does not involve aliens, supernatural battles, or cosmic conflicts. However, this is about to change, for my fellow Game Masters and I have chosen to ignite the spark in this planet as well as in other worlds. Soon heroes and villains alike, both powerful and powerless, will appear and the conflicts will begin.

Much mystery will be revealed by these noble and nefarious beings. The Lost City of Atlantis is hidden, much like we Game Masters are, however soon this ancient realm may be unearthed to the rest of the planet, to either the world's detriment or delight. Even the wondrous civilization of the Moon and beyond may choose to unveil themselves after millenia spent in hiding. Marvels both technological and magical await those who possess the fortitude to seek them out, however this would be their choice. We Game Masters only interfere when times require it.

There is but one organization the Humans have already. This organization is called S.T.R.I.K.E., which stands for Super Terrestrial Review Inside Known Encounters, and it searches already for the unknown, yet known to us. These humans have already been preparing for the event that my fellow Game Masters and I will initiate, and soon they will be busy trying to catalogue and enlist the enhanced humans and non-humans in their organization. Will these beings join with them or spurn their offer? Only time will tell.

The sudden birth of powerful beings will urge some un-enhanced humans to harbor fear and resentment. Some will take up weapons and technology and form groups to protect themselves and their families. They may be the most powerful yet for they fight as though their very existance is at stake.

So, let the Great Experiment begin as the spark of evolutionary power finds it's way into the creatures of the cosmos. Only time will tell if we chose wisely, for even we Game Masters cannot see the future...

This thread is for the in-character gaming posts.

The Game Masters: ElectroFlare, Johnny Blaze, and Cyrusbales*

RULES

You can create any superhero or super villain in this New Universe, as long as they:

Are NOT deities, gods, or people such as Death. People like Thanos and Silver Surfer and Captain Marvel are okay, though...

Are true to the personality and abilities of the character, such as no Cyclops moving planets with his optic blasts, Dazzler defeating Galactus, or Aunt May as Galatus's new Herald...

Do NOT rip off existing heroes in comic universes. Come up with your own creation. If your character is too similar to one in Marvel, DC, or other comic companies, you will be asked to change it or come up with a new character.

Do NOT criticize another poster’s character. We are not all Stan Lee or Shakespeare. Constructive criticism is okay as long as it is not offensive. This rule applies even if a poster asks for feedback.

Your character should make sense. Wolverine doesn’t dance in the flowers. If you have a meek character, they shouldn’t be smacking other characters around.

Communicate with others in your arc. This is key to the fun. It doesn’t matter how many fights you win, it matters if the fights were written well.

Do NOT kill other Player Characters. NPCs are fine to kill, with permission from anyone else using that NPC.

The Game Masters have the final say in matters of character acceptance. You are welcome to alter the character to make it less powerful or more creative, but arguing with the Game Masters is not allowed. This is a game, let it be fun.

You are allowed two characters at most, but only after the Game Masters feel it is appropriate. No one will be allowed to start with two characters.

This is a working environment, so you can travel to different places using your powers or vehicles. Don't miraculously pop up unless you're a teleporter or such...

Your first post should be your origin post. There are NO pre-established characters in this RPG.

You can reside in any place in the New Universe. You can also travel off-planet…

Don't do anything RANDOM like chopping off board user's heads or what not, unless your a villain chopping off NPC victims heads, then whatever, go with it, as long as it's not technically RANDOM...

Don't be killing people without reason. You know your weaknesses and strengths, what you can do or can't. Dazzler will lose against Thanos one on one, but may be able to use her allies to help her out or she can run away...

If you want to take part in this, just fill out an app and your name and character will appear on the roster, pending approval...

You can form super villain gangs, superhero teams, alliances, the works...

There can be a number of stories going on at once, using different people...

Act like your characters; ASSUME their traits and personalities...

There are endless places to go and endless things to do: ENDLESS possibilities so get creative...

There is no time travel at all. This preserves continuity easier and avoids confusion…

There should be MINIMAL cussing and swearing in posts.
There will be NO By-passing the censors. This is a Hype rule, and NO exceptions will be made for the RPG.

No obscene topics!

People who disobey these rules, some more major than the others, will get BOOTED by the Game Masters. If a Hype! Mod need boot you; do not bother applying again...

To create a character, simply fill out the application below that is blatantly ripped off of the Marvel RPG. Remember, be specific, and put your best effort into it. The Game Masters of this RPG are more strict then those of the other RPGs. In this RPG, like the others, creativity is important.

Create a Hero/Villain RPG SEASON I

Screen Name:

Character you have created:Alias:

Speech Color:

Character Alignment: Hero/Villain

Identity: Secret/Known

Character Personality(Give information on how your character acts, what he/she believes in, how they handle situations):

NOTE: Having only one or two powers does not automatically make a character a level 2. The levels reflect how powerful the powers themselves are, not only the variety. A level 3 may be more powerful then a level 4. These levels serve to show where your powerful hero operates, as heroes this powerful may be cosmic wonderers or Earth-bound. Also, Game Masters will be wary of approving level 3 or 4 characters. An extremely well-thought out and great sample post will be needed to be approved for a high level character. Your post should be as powerful as your character.

Intelligence: Average/Genius/Super-Genius (If another Level 3 or 4 stat is chosen with Super-Genius the character falls under rules of Level 3 and 4 characters)

Fighting Skill: Untrained/Trained/Mastered (If another Level 3 or 4 stat is chosen with Mastered the character falls under rules of Level 3 and 4 characters)

Resources: Minimal/Average/Large/Extreme (If another Level 3 or 4 stat is chosen with Extreme the character falls under rules of Level 3 and 4 characters)

NOTE: Even if all attributes chosen are Normal human when Super-Genius, Mastered, and Extreme are chosen for the final three attributes, this player is a level 3 or 4 character, such as Batman.

Weaknesses (If your stats chosen are deemed powerful enough by a Game Master with no weakness, the character will fall under rules of Level 3 and 4 characters. Even with a weakness, a Game Master may rule it as a Level 3 or 4 character):

Supporting Characters(Does your character have a significant other? A mother? Friend? Who are they, what do they have to do with your character?):Three reasons why you have chosen that character:

1.

2.

3.

Write two complete sentences using proper English grammar explaining what you think you can bring to the RPG:

How many times do you intend on posting a DAY IN the RPG:

Do you know how to post pictures on the hype boards:

Sample Origin Post (Minimum Four paragraphs containing dialogue):

All characters created and RPed are property of the respective Super Hero Hype!(SHH!) user. The characters are not to be used in any fanfiction, comic, or any other interpertation without permission from that SHH! user.

Candice stands outside of the bathroom door while Tyler is locked inside.

Tyler? Tyler? Would you come out already your going to be late for your appointment and I have to put on my makeup.

The water is running in the sink as Tyler stands there hunched over hands on the ends of the sink. Water is running down his confused face as he glances toward the door.

Tyler…Goddamnit open this door.

He turns and looks up at the fangs protruding from his teeth and speaks in a low tone.

What the hell is happening to me?

The banging on the door rings through his head as if two huge explosions went off right near his ears. His blood begins to boil and he covers his ears and yells.

SHUT UP! Just go away and leave me alone.

TYLER!

Through the door she could hear the sound of broken glass and she begins to leave the apartment. Inside the bathroom tyler pulls a piece of glass from his hand and looks in horror as the wound begins to heal itself as if there was no cut at all. For a while he does nothing but stands there and think, finally he once again looks at his hand and then himself in the mirror and says.

Krysyt – Capital City of the Demonic Realm
Approximately 298 Years Ago

The large steeples of the capital city rise high above the ground, creating a beautiful skyline that pays homage to a nearly utopian civilization. Thrust in the midst of the metropolitan society is the large citadel of the Royal Family. Within its walls, one heir to the throne plots a dreadful course of action.

<”It is decided, then”>, the Prince announces to his accomplice. <”By dawn tomorrow, my father will have fallen, and I shall ascend to the throne.”>

His accomplice nods, weary of the possible repercussions – especially if they fail.

<”Your loyalty – as well as your silence – shall be rewarded greatly when I rule the realm, my friend”>, the Prince assures him. With that, the betrayer rises from his seat, moving towards his friend. He places an arm around his accomplice’s shoulder and walks him to the door. <”It is a new dawn in Krysyt, and it looks to be a bright one.”>

His friend leaves, and the Prince is alone in his quarters – having only his thoughts to accompany him. He looks at himself in the mirror, and envisions what it will be like to rule the realm. He can almost hear the shouts and cheers of his subjects.

His father, the King of Demons, enters the quarters. He is escorted by his Imperial Guard, but he dismisses them at the door. <”My son”>, the empathic monarch greets his heir. He moves over to the Prince and hugs him caringly.

The Prince reaches for his father’s sheath and removes the sword slowly. When the King feels the tugging, he releases from his embrace and looks at his now-armed son. <”What is the meaning of this?”> The King inquires gently. There is no anger or fear in his voice – only concern.

<”Father, I cannot live in your shadow”>, the Prince tries to explain. He places the blade of the sword against his father’s throat. The King does not flinch, but instead looks at him in bewilderment. <”I believe it to be my destiny to rule this realm, and I cannot wait around forever.”>

The King does not move away or call for his Guard. Instead, he tells his son, <”If you believe yourself to have the strength to kill me, then do so. But know that the blood will be on your hands, and your hands alone.”>

The Prince is shocked by his father’s unending courage and stillness. For a moment, he hesitates, rethinking his plan. Then, as if some dark force compels him, he frowns at his father and raises the sword above his head. With a sense of violence and malignancy, the Prince thrusts the sword downward, piercing the monarch’s skull.

In that moment, the Prince both celebrates his success and mourns his father’s passing. He watches as his father’s life energy is released from its corporal form. The energy moves through the air and engrafts itself into the blade. The Demonic lettering for <”Royalty”> is burned into the metal. In addition, a curse is placed upon all the King’s subjects. They become immortal, but at a great price. Every single subject is mutated and disfigured into a hideous monster. Their civility is replaced with crudity. Their ability to communicate is severely hindered – if not completely eradicated.

The Prince begins to regret his decision as his subjects revolt and siege the citadel. In an attempt to spare himself from the vengeance of the mob, he promises to return them to their original forms.

The day comes – as it does every 300 years – where the Demonic realm overlaps with its parallel. In the parallel dimension, there is a blue planet orbiting a sun that harbors intelligent life – Earth. For 3 days, Demons can travel to and from their realm and into the parallel. The Prince travels into the parallel dimension and leaves behind the King’s sword. He envelops it in Demonic energy, placing a curse on it.

<”There, it is done”>, the Prince tells himself, <”The next human to touch this sword will inherit the life energy of my father. He will be transfigured into a monster, just like the rest of us. Then, he will be transported to our realm where I will kill the King yet again. Except, this time, his energy will disperse throughout my realm and reverse the spell that my dying father cast. I will finally be able to ascend the throne as planned, and I will be the King!”> With that, the Prince returned to his dimension and waited.

"Remember, just fly over and snap some pictures. Nothing fancy Major. Over." The radio cackled.

"Yeah, I got it. Ten-four." I groaned. I could almost do this mission asleep. Fly over Russian air space, take some pictures, make sure that they aren't doing anything hostile.

Since when did America become the Police of the world anyway? It was supposed to be a haven, a place for those who wanted freedom. Not a place that imposes its rule on other countries.

My thoughts were quickly interrupted. The jet rocked, spun, and spiraled out of control. I gripped the control stick with both hands. Through my gloves, I knew my knuckles were turning white. It took all of my strength to try and direct the plane away from the ground.

Unfortunately, my strength was not enough, and I blacked out.

Forever later and and in no time at all I awoke.

"*It is good to see the Major is awake. Perhaps it is time he recieved his medicine?*" A man spoke in Russian and laughed.

I said nothing. I just struggled. I was strapped to a table, shirtless. What the hell was going on?

"*You do speak Russian, don't you, good Major?*"

**=Translated from Russian

__________________
Gut instinct predictions-Ben Affleck will rock as Batman. DoFP will bomb. Guardians of the Galaxy will be great. Winter Soldier will be the best of Phase 2. Age of Ultron will under-achieve. Feel free to call me out if I'm wrong.Oooga-chaka Oooga-chaka

Hell has many names, but there is only one language there. The language of pain.

Born in the inferno of the underworld, I was one of the first, a being of torture, anguish, cruelty, I was Torment.

Yet after time, the pain was not enough, forever living in the shadow cast by the nightmare realms creator. I was better than this, I was a seed of misery, growing into a tree of hatred and agony, I would not be bound by his rules.

I rose up, I laid siege upon he which I had served, however victory was not mine. I was overwhelmed by loyal followers, blindly following one who’s vision and inspiration had long since been covered by the ages. For my betrayal I was banished, forced out of the very ashes that had conceived me.

The middle realm Earth, was then my new home. A different kind of suffering was spread across the planet’s face, yet nothing compared to what I had caused before. Time was something I did not waste, exacting my hatred and vengeance upon these mortals, showing them horrors beyond their conception.

Magic and mystic powers flowed through this place, different from the realm of light or flame, a unique force that I could harness. Laying waste to cities, absorbing their knowledge of such arcane things, I had become something greater. Soon discovering the “Words of Power”, ancient incantations handed down from before time itself, however my discovery did not go unnoticed.

Once again the realm of flames intervened to stop me, as did the servants of light. Out of fear from the “Words of Power”, they bound my lips, sealing all the knowledge and destructive capabilities of these incantations, leaving me almost powerless. But this was not enough for them, casting me into the darkness, ripping me from the Earth and trapping me into blackness, neither the servants of light, nor the forces of the flames would venture there, yet they would condemn me to that fate.

Emptiness, crushing solitude and cold. Nothing but memories to keep me afloat, drifting through nothingness. This place, “The Void”, possessed it’s own secrets, unbeknownst to others, I learnt from the dim blankness. Becoming gifted with new ways to torture, “The Void” itself, seeping into my being, corroding the few inhibitions I had. A voiceless consciousness struck a deal with me, releasing me back into the world, wanting for me to bring it to the Earth once I had the power to do so. Now I was finally free, yet almost all of my power remained sealed, it would take heaven and hell to remove this bind. And that is exactly what I will make them do.

Until then, I must find a new way to gain strength in this new Earth, oh how it has changed after so long. Still it suffers, but soon it shall know real torment.

When Socrates claimed there was a fate worse than death, he was right.

Kensei bowed his head in a mix of sadness and respect as the strong sea breeze blew the stinging spray of sal****er into his eyes, though he did not wince. His beautiful suit was getting wet from the salty mist, but he paid in no heed. Even the pair of people he had accompanied to this secluded cliff face were seemingly oblivious to him, as the woman went on in her eulogy and the man trying and failing to hold back tears of sadness.

Kensei was worlds away, his thoughts focused on years ago, when he and his ally, Ryo Kenshin, did battle with the Tengu that threatened the children of Hokkaido...

---------------------

The beast roared in anguish as the great Kusanagi sliced it cleanly in two at the waist. Kensei kept running up the mountain path, determined to make the summit before sundown which was twenty minutes away. Running behind him and fighting off the evil Tengu that nipped at their heels was Kensei's ally in his war against the forces of darkness, the monk Ryo Kenshin. Together they fought their way up the mountainside trying to reach the top before it was too late...

Days before children from the village started to go missing leaving no trace. But, one clue was left in one of the missing children's rooms in the form of a large crow feather. When hearing this news Kensei had a feeling what the kidnappers where. He had planned to travel to the island of Hokkaido where these foul deeds where taking place, and stay with his only friend Ryo Kenshin. But, Ryo surprised him by showing up at his door, pale as a ghost and an anger stirring in his breast.

His children had been taken.

With all the haste they could muster, the pair made their way back to Hokkaido and soon discovered that Kensei's fears were true. The children were being taken by Tengu, malicious bird-men who took pleasure in tormenting humans. But they Tengu seemed to have a purpose beyond causing chaos. After investigating, Kensei and Ryo found out that the Tengu were worshippers of the Elder god, Hastur. The Tengu planned to summon the Unspeakable One to the mortal plane to remake it in his own image, and were going to sacrifice the children at the setting of the sun to open the portal. If Hastur were to be summoned the world would be lost, so Kensei and Ryo hurried to the top of Mount Hakodate to save the children's lives and stop the ceremony.

On their way up they came under attack from the Tengu, and were forced to slow their pace in order to defend themselves. The Tengu were no match for them, but victory was never their intent. All they had to do was slow the pair down, to delay them long enough for the ritual to be complete. And it was working.

Both knew they were running out of time.

<"Kensei">, shouted Ryo as he crushed a Tengu's windpipe with a mighty chop, <"you must stop the ceremony! I will hold them here!">

<"I will not leave you to die, Ryo">, replied Kensei as he lopped off the head of a nearby Tengu.

<"There is no time to argue! The sacrifice will occur in minutes. You must stop it or all is lost!">

<"Go">, shouted Ryo as he ducked under the raking claws of a diving Tengu, <"save the children and the world! I shall meet you at the summit when I can!">

Kensei hesitated for a split second before taking off up the mountain path towards the top...

The Tengu priest was already performing the ritual, speaking words of power not heard on this plane for millenia. A jeweled katana was held firm in his clawed hand as children from all ages were positioned so their heads could be easily removed, and so the blood would flow down into the magic circle. The chanting of the Tengu masses surrounding the priest grew louder as Kensei approached. Slaying the two guards with ease, Kensei arrived to realize that he would not reach the children in time.
Drawing upon all the strength he could muster and saying a silent prayer to Izanagi, Kensei heaved the Kusanagi as though it were a spear at the head priest. The blade ran itself through the priest's head, the guard coming all the way to touch the back of the Tengu's head.
The alarm was raised and the dozens of bird men leaped up to attack the Celectial Samurai. Their eyes went from rage to horror though as the sword magically appeared in Kensei's hand...

The battle was bloody, but Kensei and Ryo had succeeded. The children were safe, the Tengu cult wiped out, and the threat of Hastur gone. Kensei wiped blood from his magic blade on the clothes of the high priest as Ryo tended to the children. After calming the children down, the pair began to ready them for the journey down the mountain and back to their homes.

<"Kensei">, called Ryo, with two children in tow, <"I want to thank you for what you did this day.">

<"It was nothing, my friend">, replied Kensei with a nod, <"I was merely performing my duty as servant to the Primordial Sky.">

Ryo smiled, <"Still, thank you.">

<"And">, added Ryo, <"I'd like to introduce you to my two children...">

<"This is Hideyoshi">, Ryo said as he motioned to the boy at his side who bowed low to show his thanks and respect.

<"And this is my little Ami">, continued Ryo as he looked lovingly towards the little girl in his arms, a trail of dried tears running down her cheeks.<"I do not know what I would do without them...">

---------------------

The calling of his name brought Kensei back to reality as he turned to see Hideyoshi and Ami, all grown up now, looking at him.

<"Yes?">

<"Would you like to say a few words">, asked Ami.

Kensei moved forward and cleared his throat. He hated this part as he was never good at words for funerals. But, he would try.

<"I have lived in this world for hundreds of years">, Kensei began as he cleared the knot from his throat, <"and I have had many allies in my struggle over those centuries, but few friends. Ryo...you were the best of them. You were only on this plane for a short time, but you touched the lives of many, including myself, in such profound ways that you shall never be forgotten. You were the bravest man I have ever had the honor of meeting and showed your true courage even in the end.">

Kensei's face tightened and took on a look of anger, <"I swear on my life that I will find your killer and make them suffer before sending them to Mikaboshi's cold embrace. Your death will be avenged!">

Kensei stepped backwards as he finished, allowing Ami to step forward with the clay urn. After a brief prayer to the gods, Ami cast the urn off of the cliff and into the rocks below to scatter the ashes of Ryo Kenshin into the Sea of Japan.

<"Farewell, my friend">, Kensei said softly, a single tear running down his cheek.

<> = translated from Japanese

__________________"Take the risk of thinking for yourself, much more happiness, truth, beauty, and wisdom will come to you that way."

Mitch calls out the play as I strut to the right side of the field, we're up 31 to 14 and it's about halfway through the 4th quarter, the state finals and on the 30 going in. I know I'm getting the ball, so when Mitch yells hut for the third time, I'm gone down the field in my slant pattern.

Mitch throws the ball too high as I leave the ground to get the wobbly pass. A defensive back wraps his arms around my airborn legs as gravity takes it's effect and I fall. The defensive back lays out on the field as I come down on top of him, the ball securely in my hands, my right knee comes down hard on his helmet as a loud pop echoes through the field.

"Aaaaah!."

I yell out in pain and blackout into a world of darkness....

"Matt? Matt?"

My eyes slowly open, I'm flat on my back and looking up at a doctor and a host of people looking around me.

"Good, your awake."

"You alright, Byrd? You scared the **** out of me back there."

Coach Jacobs looks down at me and scratches his balding head.

"I...I guess...did we win coach?"

"Yeah, we sure did. State Champs thanks to you."

The doctor clears his throat as the attention shifts to him.

"Umm, if you'd excuse me. I'd like for everyone but Matthew's mother to leave to room so we could talk."

The room slowly empties as the doctor shuts the door behind Coach Jacobs.

"So, doctor. What does it look like?"

Mom walks next to my bedside and grabs my hand. The doctor opens up his clipboard and pulls out an X-Ray.

"Well, from what we can tell. Matthew dislocated his kneecap. We managed to set it back in place, but the damage was extensive. Both Matt's MCL and LCL tendons ruptured. The surgeon's removed the Ligaments before they could become infected."

I twist the sheets on my bed and look up at the doctor.

"What does this do to my football playing?"

The doctor sits down on a stool next to mom and I and shake his head.

"Well, the thing that makes you a good wideout is your route running ability, with these two tendons gone, I'm afraid any attempts to run will be futile....Your a......Your playing days are over, I'm sorry Matt."

I look up at him and look back down at the sheets, I feel my face gets hot as tears well up in my eyes.

"I'm sorry, Matt. I really am."

The doctor leaves the room and look back at mom.

"What about your scholarship to Florida? You signed that Letter of Intent, right?"

I shake my head and close my eyes, tears slowly running down my face.

"No, I was gonna wait till after the game to declare, the won't take me now. I've played football ever since I was 6, that's all I know. Not science or english, football. That's all I'm good at."

Mom finally breaks down and wraps her arms around my neck as I lay my head on her shoulder.

"What am I gonna do without football?...What am I gonna do without football?"

__________________

"These are the times that try men's souls... Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."

-- Thomas Paine

"People never lie so much as after a hunt, during a war or before an election."
-- Otto von Bismarck

I am Christopher Jennings. Perhaps you know me by one of my many aliases: the Hybrid, the Guardian Demon, the King of Demons, or more commonly, The Phantom. Perhaps you are wondering how I got to this point. Allow me to explain.

I was studying to become an archaeologist. Ever since I was young, I always loved artifacts and ancient civilizations. Finally, I was pursuing my dream. I had a professor, Peter Reilly, who saw my potential. He taught Ancient Mythology and Religion – one of my personal favorites. He took me under his wing, and he would always let me know about recent archaeological discoveries.

It was no different when he told me about the cavern that had just been discovered. He invited me to come along so I could see archaeology in action. Apparently, there were extremely rare artifacts buried within the cave. Needless to say, I was interested.

When we arrived at the scene, everyone was hard at work. One of Professor Reilly’s colleagues came over and greeted him. While the two were talking, I familiarized myself with the surroundings. Professor Reilly came over and tried to get me up to speed with everything.

He told me all about the writings on the wall that told the story of the mutinous Prince who killed his father. He told me all about the curse that was put on the Demonic realm, and how the Prince left the sword here in our world. To be honest, I didn’t really believe it. Nonetheless, he took me to one of the rooms in the cavern that housed the “King’s Sword” – as the archaeologists were calling it.

“I’ve got to tell you, Professor,” I start, “It’s pretty hard to believe that if I touch this sword, I’ll become the King of Demons. First of all, we don’t have any proof that the Demons ever existed.”

He didn’t look at me, but instead, studied the carvings on the wall. “Perhaps not, but then again…maybe this is the evidence that we need.” One of his colleagues called him over, and he excused himself.

I was alone with the sword. I looked up and down every inch of it, admiring its beauty. That’s when I saw the engraved letters. They ran down the entire length of the blade, and they didn’t look like any language I had ever seen before. My curiosity outweighed my superstition, and I reached out to feel the engraving. As soon as my flesh touched the cold, hard metal, I blacked out.

While I was unconscious, I had the most horrible, vivid dream. I dreamt that a monster was running loose in the cave, killing everyone inside. When the monster got to me, it stopped and shrunk. Right before my eyes, the monster transformed. When it was done, I was staring at myself. The other me put a finger to its lips signaling me to be quiet. Then, suddenly, it vanished.

I woke from the dream, lost and disoriented. I was holding the King’s Sword in my hand. It had blood dripping from its blade. I looked, and to my horror, my hands and shirt were stained with blood. Surrounding me were mutilated bodies. That’s when I realized that I wasn’t dreaming. Instead, I was watching myself kill all those people. Somehow, it was like there was another side to me that I couldn’t control. I searched through the bodies, hoping that I wouldn’t find him, but I did. Lying before me was the dead body of Professor Peter Reilly.

“Oh no…oh no….oh no,” I kept repeating to myself. I grabbed the sword and the sheath and ran out of the cavern.

That's how the song goes, right? Well my journey has been somewhat different. I haven't been to Paris, and Berlin isn't on my itinerary. I started out in the Big Apple, of course; it's the hub of superhuman activity in comic books, though I don't know if I could be classed as one of them. Unless being resurrected and stumbling upon alien technology that strengthens you beyond the levels of any mere human makes you one, that is. I don't know, I'll have to check the dictionary: "Superhuman - a male or female that exceeds the (normal) capacities of a human being".

Wow, that was kind of an obvious explanation. I could have told you that! Though I guess I couldn't have done, seeing as I had to look it up in the first place.

Anyway, I'm kind of losing the plot a little here. If I even had it to begin with. Basically, the glitzy cities aren't the places that I'll be visiting anytime soon. As Aaron Reid, maybe I'll take a girl there on day. But as the Crusader...it's all Russia, baby!

Yeah. I just said that.

* * *

Aaron Reid descended the small flight of stairs leading down to the gritty concrete of the main runaway at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport. He was instantly buffeted by an icy gust of wind which whipped at the edges of his trenchcoat. He drew it around him and allowed his glance to wander as other passengers disembarked. The thick haze of night was encroaching upon the last remaining shreds of the winter evening, and a grim smile touched Aaron's lips as he picked out the one sign from the small, yet bustling crowd gathered in the entrance foyer. It read, in sloppily-composed English:

Matew Wramna

"You spelt it wrong," he greeted, settling a firm grasp on the man's shoulder.

Nicholas Naklova bore his tobacco-tainted teeth in a wide grin as he returned the gesture, blurting out a heavily-accented Russian phrase. "Mr Matew, it good to meet you at last!"

Aaron winced as the overwhelming scent of cigarettes rolled away from the speech and struck out wildly at his nostrils. "It's Matthew. M-A-T-T-H-E-W." The alias had been adopted just one month ago; it was the only establishing of the false identity he had taken part in. After deciding upon a name (a reference to his father's middle name and his mother's maiden name), the Coin had altered and created records so that it appeared that Matthew Warman had existed all along.

In all truthfulness, its power terrified him.

"Yes, yes, Matew! We collect your bags and go, yes?"

"I have all my things with me," Aaron explained, ignoring the repeated error. Time was of the essence - even without the suit and its mechanical enhancements, he could almost feel the danger creeping up around him. "You have information that could be useful to me, yes?"

"HahAHahahHAhaha!"

The throng of weary travellers suddenly exploded with fear, and Aaron scarmbled to keep Naklova close - the informant was his only connection to the people he needed to speak with in Moscow. If they were separated...A pair of fists tore through the grasp and a swift kick sent Aaron stumbling back. Bullets rang out, and chaos reigned for a few precious seconds --

-- until silence.

Aaron pried his eyes opened, bemsued and dazed. He hadn't ached since he awoke to his new life. Which could only mean one thing: another superhuman!

The bank was quiet, as the people waited in line. They all stood there, minding their own buissness, silently. Bob Lemis waited in line. On the outside he was no different from the rest. But deep within his mind lay the key to the evolution of humans.

It seems crazy, thought Bob, that a couple of days ago, I thought that my father was going to die. Thank God that he's alive. Though when people are on their death bed, they don't normally tell their sons that they did mental experiments on them as children---experiments that their children don't remember, mind you---and that they are now the pinnacle of evolution; the key to unlocking the human psyche. Then again dad was never exactly normal.

The door behind them opened, and two men entered. they were dressed in black, holding guns in their hands.

"Everyone Freeze! Put your hands over your head, and no one gets hurt!"

The entire line of people stopped, and looked at the men.

"I mean now!" said the shorter of the two.

The people hastily thrust their hands over their heads, in an attempt to follow the commands of the thieves.

My God!, thought Bob, This is terrible.

The men pushed and shoved their way to the front, and thrust two briefcases at the teller. "Put the money in the bag, and no one gets hurt." said the taller crook.

I have to do something, thought Bob. Let me take a moment to review my situation. I'm concealed from the robbers by a huge line of people, the robbers are at the front of the bank, and will probably be leaving here in five to seven minutes. Oh yah, and now i have crazy brain powers. So, anyways. I can't outright attack their minds, or else they might go crazy, and start shooting people. I'll have to subtly implant impulses into their subconscious about leaving. Here goes.

Get out of here, he told them, Go on. Just stand out in front of bank. Look, its even a nice day out; see the sun? Wait outside, and enjoy it, because soon your life will be totally changed.

When he had finished speaking to them, he focused on the teller. This time, he didn't worry about being subtle. As soon as these two crooks turn around, hit the alarm button, and call the police. He instructed.

He waited for a moment, for the scene to play out. Sure enough, the men began to walk outside, a dazed look in their eyes. Minutes later the police cars came, and took them away.

Well, Bob thought to himself, At least now I know what I'll do with these powers.

***
Italics are toughts, red are other people talking, green is Bob talking or thinking. bold printed italics are commands that Bob is telling someone else to do. Just so they won't be mixed up with his actual thoughts.

The cold air in his lungs hit like a hammer against a pane of glass. In the midst of a fit of coughing and gagging, the man wondered if this was his first actual breath of air. Strands of blond hair were sticking to his face, frozen in place by sweat and tears turned to ice. Despite the growing numbness, he tried to move, and heard metal clicking together. Looking up, he saw length of cold steel chains and barbed wire wrapped tightly around his arms, leading up to the canopy of thick branches above. It was then that he began to question how much of the pain he was feeling was frostbite, and how much was the sharp frozen metal shoved into his skin.

His muscles weak and largely unresponsive, the man slowly got to his feet and grunted with effort as he pulled on the chains. "Nggg!" The sound of wood snapping echoed for miles in the frozen wilderness. Finally, the heavy chains and wire fell to the ground in a lump as the man slowly unwrapped his arms.

Looking back, the following hours would be all but a blur as he made his way by moonlight, his bare feet crunching on the frozen forest floor. He had no idea how long he had been walking when he saw red neon lights through the trees in the distance. With surprising and renewed strength in his legs, he made several leaping bounds through the woods, coming to a stop in the large parking lot of a truckers bar, not another person in sight. Loud cheers and music escaped from the building as he pulled open the locked driver's side door of an 18-wheeler through sheer strength. He found some spare clothes behind the seat, and, although a few sizes too large, they were a welcome addition to his person. Moments later, as the hotwired rig began to move out of the parking lot, the man's mind was alive and racing with thoughts on where he was going to go, why was he out there, and who he was.

Shaking his head and regaining his focus, he stared out at the highway before him. "All I know right now is that I'm a survivor. I'll sort this crap later, once I've got the lay of the land." He tuned the radio to the clearest classic rock station and tried to calm himself. "Wherever this is, anyway."

__________________"Look into the soul of Bane and know the truth. We will topple your kingdom if it takes an eternity. We will defeat Hell."

I wake up staring at a white ceiling. I’m in a hospital bed. What happened?

“Oh, you’re up.” The Doctor, nurse, whoever this woman is, says, with the same tone of voice that someone would say “Oh, there’s my keys.”

“Yeah, I am. Where am I? What happened? And why don’t I remember anything?” I say, trying to get out of the bed, “Where’s my family?”

“That’s the strange thing, sir.” The doctor replies, I’m assuming she’s the doctor now, “We don’t know who you are or what happened. As of where you are, you’re in Victory Memorial Hospital in Brooklyn, New York.”

I sigh. They’re probably going to harass me for months about a bill I paid already like they did the last time I was here. “My name is Stephen Blake, and I live here in Brooklyn. I don’t know what happened to me, but I do want to get out of here.”

“Okay, Mr. Blake. All we need to do is make sure you’re healthy and then you’ll be able to leave.”

__________________FASTER THAN A SPEEDING HAMSTER...-----MORE POWERFUL THAN A BOX OF TISSUES...----------ABLE TO LEAP OFF OF TALL BUILDINGS AND HIT THE GROUND...

The number kept running through his mind, jamming at his subconcious with every passing day. He could never escape it, no matter how hard he tried. It was always there... waiting for him... pushing him to finally take his life in the direction he knew he wanted it to go in.

But with every stroke his arms made in the water of the Tampa Bay Gymnasium swimming pool, Mark Garfield felt even more tempted to just let it go. But he knew he couldn't. And that's what frustrated him the most. Not the fact that he felt like he had the equivlent of a cloud hanging over his head... it was the fact that no matter how much he wanted to, he never seemed to attempt to get out from under it. He was stuck. Stuck in the same damn place he was five months ago. And it was starting to scare him.

What if he'd always be stuck?

Mark sighed, going into a backstroke as he breathed in the air above him. He never intended for his life to take a path at all, before the attack. He simply wanted to enjoy his life for what it was, and face the future as it came. He didn't care what was in store for it. He had the best friends a guy could have. He was making decent money at his job. He had just graduated college, promising a future even greater than he could imagine. And he lived in a great city, with a great view of the ocean, making his passion for surfing all the more enriched.

Then came the day he found himself in the jaws of an unforgiving monster below the deep. He didn't remember much about the attack, admittedly. But what he did, he couldn't forget. The blackness of it's eyes. The blood on it's teeth, as the devastation sunk in of the reality that it was his own blood. It's tail, thrashing back and forth in the water, splashing it in his face and giving little chance for Mark to breathe or call for help. He should've died that day. And he didn't. And now Mark was beginning to wonder what it would've been like if he had.

Stopping at the edge of the pool, Mark simply floated in silence, pushing that thought from his mind. It didn't matter now. What happened that day happened for a reason. He was sure of that much. And up until five months ago, that reason remained a mystery that Mark thought he had solved at least multiple times. But now he knew the truth. Now he was more than ready to accept it. At least, that's what he had told himself. But then five months passed, and suddenly, Mark began to realise that he wasn't going anywhere.

It had to happen soon. He could feel the anticipation building. The doubt of whether or not it would work. Soon it wouldn't even matter. Part of him couldn't wait. Another part of him dreaded it as if it were a plague. There were so many pros and cons that came with what he was preparing himself to do that it made his head sore on numerous occasions. But he was sure he had to do it, no matter what. It was what the life he was destined to accept, by choice or not.

Looking around to make sure nobody was watching, Mark pulled off the rubber cap and fogged goggles that he had placed on his head prior to jumping in the pool, and tossed them aside to his towel and belongings nearby. Turning around to face the opposite side of the pool, Mark closed his eyes, tensing his muscles as he placed the bottom of his feet on the pool's edge. He had come here today with the notion that for a change, he'd try to swim normally, like he had used to.

His notion was about to be proved wrong.

In a matter of seconds, Mark was racing up and down the 50 metre wide swimming pool as if it were a single stroke. His body was moving at an inhuman rate... making him pratically a blur as he moved back and forth the length of the pool with grace and concentration. To him, it all seemed like the world around him was going at a slowed pace. Even the bubbles in the water were practically at a standstill, as he kicked off each side of the pool at only seconds apart. Were anyone to come in and witness this, surely they'd faint from the awe of Mark's speed. To him, it was a nessecity that he had gotten used to over the past few months.

Deciding he was going to stop, but not entirely sure how, Mark kicked off the bottom of the pool, trying to slow him down. Instead, the result came in the form of a skyrocketing effect, as Mark was sent from the water and into the air, waving his arms as if he were still swimming. The truth was, he didn't even realise what was happening. Until, that is, he painfully fell backwards onto the pavement infront of the pool, toppling water everywhere as his back cracked under the impact.

Closing his eyes, obviously in much pain, Mark grasped at his back with his forearm, gritting his teeth as he, for a second, wondered if his spine had been crushed. Luckily, after a moment of agony, it seemed the injury was far less than he had realised it to be. Gently laying his head onto the concrete floor of the pool room, Mark stared at the ceiling, and frowned.

"...Okay, maybe I've still got a few things to work on.", He said to himself, the pain still evident in his voice.

If he was going to take that path, it'd require more work. More self training of his unnatrualistic abilities. But he knew if he waited for that, he probably never would take action in the first place. His fears would get the best of him. Cursing himself, Mark made the decision, right then and there.

It was going to happen tonight. No matter the protest, it just had to. He was going to be a hero whether he liked it or not.

"Guys?"

After a few minutes of knocking, Mark finally remembered the spare key under the welcome mat on the deck of his beachhouse. Reaching down, and grunting, as his back wasn't completely healed yet from the earlier incident at the pool, Mark grabbed the key and stuck it into the door, pushing it open with his shoulder as he finally stepped foot into his own home. Peering around to look for any sign of Gerr or Kylie in the pitch black darkness ahead of him, Mark dropped his duffel bag onto the floor and removed his jacket.

He could hear their breathing. But since they were being so quiet, he knew something was up that they didn't want him to know about. So rather than outright confronting the two, as he realised they were standing in the dark of the room ahead of him, Mark simply pretended as if he was oblivious to their prescence. Then, suddenly, the lights were thrown on, as Mark jumped, slightly startled at the next combined phrase that boomed from the room:

"SURPRISE!"

Mark breathed in, as he spotted Kylie and Gerr ahead of him, standing infront of the kitchen table. Kylie, her hand on the lightswitch, and Gerr, popping open what seemed to be a party streamer as Mark stepped forward, slightly confused. But with a smile on his face.

"What the hell is this?", Mark asked, with a laugh as the two parted away from the table, revealing a crudely made cake with a candle sticking out of the top of it.

Gerr turned to Kylie, with a sly grin on his face.

"You so owe me twenty bucks on that one. I told you he'd forget."

Kylie gave Gerr an evil, but playful look, reaching into her pocket.

"We agreed on ten, last time I checked.", Kylie argued, handing a rolled up dollar bill to Gerr, as Mark stared at the two of them, still confused.

"Uh... you knew I'd forget what, now?", Mark asked, curiously.

"The same thing you always forget, among anniversaries, weddings, and any general occasion that's yearly celebrated...", Gerr answered, with a smirk. "Birthdays. Specifically? Your's, tailfin."

Mark blinked, shocked. Then, he began to laugh.

"Oh, come on. I'm not that bad at remembering stuff. My birthday's not for another..."

Mark paused, as he began to think. Then, slowly, his expression turned back to shock, then embarassment, as he turned back to Gerr.

"...Twenty bucks?"

Gerr grinned, as he held out his hand.

"Twenty bucks."

* * *

It was only hours later that the three realised they had finished off all of the cake, as they all layed across the back deck, staring at the starry night's sky above them. Mark breathed in a sigh of relief, as he relaxed himself after gourging into Kylie and Gerr's attempt at cooking. But he appreciated it, nonetheless. They were his only friends, after all. So much so that he considered them as close as family. So, in the end, anything they did for his benefit meant the world to him.

"...I still can't believe I actually forgot my own birthday.", Mark said, breaking the silence that had lasted for minutes.

Kylie smiled, looking over at him.

"Don't worry about it. I mean, after all, isn't that why you let us move in with you?"

Mark raised an eyebrow, before looking at Kylie with a smirk.

"...To help me remember my birthdays?"

Kylie stuck her tongue out at him.

"You know what I meant."

"Yeah,", Gerr chimed in. "Admit it. Without us, you wouldn't even be able to find your socks."

Mark smirked.

"Well, good thing I can always borrow your's, if I'm out."

Gerr sat up, looking over at Mark with shock.

"...So THAT'S where my socks have been disappearing!", Gerr exclaimed, before hitting Mark on the shoulder. "You're a bastard."

"Really? Does he work around here, or did you guys meet in a Sigfried and Roy chatroom?"

Gerr paused, realising he didn't have anything to combat that.

"Up yours."

As Gerr departed, Mark turned to Kylie.

"I'm kinda guessing that's what he said, when they met."

Kylie laughed, loudly, before rolling over and placing her head on Mark's chest, relaxed.

"So, what'd you do today?", Kylie asked, with a yawn.

Mark couldn't think of an answer to tell her, at first. He still felt weird about his powers as they were... he didn't see the need in freaking Kylie or Gerr out by telling them of their existence. So he had told neither, keeping the powers to himself. For what reason, he barely knew. But he had a feeling... maybe even outright knew that soon, there'd definitely be one.

"Just... went swimming, that's all.", Mark answered, content with the honesty in that statement.

"Again?", Kylie asked. "That's all you seem to do, anymore."

"Right. And what monumentally different thing did you do today?", Mark asked, with a smile.

Kylie was silent, for a second, before both started laughing.

"I'm gonna take a guess and say you went surfing. Again.", Mark continued, mimicking her useage of the word.

"Okay, alright. You made your point.", Kylie responded, looking up with a slight giggle as she closed her eyes and again rested on Mark's chest.

Staring out into the sky, Mark could feel a lump forming in his throat. Not because of Kylie, or because of the birthday party, or anything like that... but because of his reluctance. Tonight would've been the perfect opprotunity to warn Kylie and Gerr of what he was about to do with his life. He could've told them the truth about himself, and his powers, and what he was going to use them for. Finally, he could stop lying to them. But he didn't take the chance, and he was beginning to regret it. Because soon, he was going to plunge himself into that life. And there probably wasn't going to be any chance for him to turn back.

"Mark?", Kylie asked, obviously fatigued from the long night the three of them had spent on the deck.

"Yeah?", Mark asked, looking down at her.

Looking up, she gave him a tired smile.

"Happy birthday."

Mark didn't find any words to respond to that with, as Kylie slowly drifted off to sleep, laying on him. He placed a hand on her back, gently. As if it were the last time he could face her with a sense normalcy in his life. And then, in the flash of an instant, Mark was gone, leaving Kylie to dream the night away as he left his jacket in his place, so as to not wake her. She deserved the sleep, as far as he was concerned.

He, on the other hand, had other plans.

Walking into his room inside, turning on the light, Mark closed the door behind him and bent down, reaching under his bed. Pulling out an old suitcase, Mark threw it ontop of the bed, and opened it. Inside, dozens upon dozens of sketches spawled out onto the sheet, each one depicting something similar to the last: A shark. The very thing that had attacked him, and changed his life for the long haul. But this shark was far different from the animal most were familiar with. It's anatomy, from the neck down, was that of a man's, rather than an animal's.

Mark stared at them, remembering the tireless nights he had spent coming up with each and every one of them while Kylie and Gerr were asleep in the rooms across the hall. It wasn't some sort of character, or fantastic creature of his imagination... at least, not anymore. It was a costume. Or... a uniform, as he preferred to think of it. And deeper inside the suitcase, Mark pulled out a wrapped package, heavily taped down. Ripping at the paper, Mark watched as a deep black bodysuit came rolling from out of it, among a set of gray items behind it. It had taken him months to make, using every resource he could possibly find. But he had done it. Now, it was finally time to put the suit, the powers... all of it to the test.

Now... it was time to become the hero he was destined to become, by choice or not.

Kensei sat in his study dressed in his leisurely robes as he poured over a file filled with documents and reports. He had been sitting at his desk for hours going over the information he...borrowed on the ongoing investigation of the murder of Ryo Kenshin. Ryo's body was found on the outskirts of his village. Kensei guessed he was going for one of his early morning walks when he was attacked. And, for all intents and purposes, it appeared as though it was an animal attack.
Kensei though had his doubts.

Ryo died of a severed spine and massive blood loss. Investigators who first arrived on the scene described it as though he was mauled by a bear. But there had been no bears in that area for some time. And there were no animal tracks around the corpse.
It didn't add up.

Kensei rubbed the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger and sighed. He'd have a better idea when he was out there.

Kensei gathered his things, but before leaving made a phone call.

<"Ami, I am sorry to disturb you in your time of grief, but I need you. I need you to infiltrate the police station and retrieve any evidence they have gathered from the scene of the murder. It should be a simple task for a skilled mage such as you. Can you do this?">

<"Excellent. Thank you, Ami. Meet me at my home when you are finished. ...Goodbye.">

Kensei hung up the phone and departed for the crime seen.

-------------------------

The sun had set a long time ago, but Kensei still examined the surrounding area as best he could. His ability to detect the presence of evil did nothing, but that was to be expected. Whatever did this was long gone, and it's taint long since evaporated.
Still...something was amiss. He felt as though he was being watched...and not by human eyes.

Quickly turning on his heels and drawing his sword, Kensei finds himself face to face with a large fox. The creature was simply sitting only a few yards away from Kensei, staring at him intently. Kensei quickly sheathed his blade and bowed low in apology.

<"Forgive me, Kitsune, for my outburst. I did not mean to offend.">

<"Do not worry, faithful Kensei">, replied the fox, though her lips did not move the words seemed to appear in Kensei's mind.<"We know this is a trying time for you. Your wish to discover Ryo Kenshin's killer weighs heavily on your spirit. I have merely come to help push you in the right direction.">

<"I am grateful for any help you could give me, wise one">, said Kensei in a respectful tone.

<"Of course you are">, stated the fox matter-of-factly.

<"You must travel to the palace of Heijo. There you will wait until the witching hour, and He will appear to guide you further.">

<"I thank you, wise Kitsune">, replied Kensei with a bow. As the Celestial Samurai rose, he saw the fox had vanished.

-------------------------

Returning home, Kensei found Ami in his living room sitting on the sofa, a small paper sack next to her. Kensei smiled.
In didn't matter what mood he was in, whenever he looked upon her all the weight of his worries and mission seemed to disappear.

<"I trust you had no difficulty in performing your task?">

<"No">, Ami replied as she rose to her feet and picked up the sack, <"I was able sneak in and get what you asked for.">

Ami handed the sack to Kensei who opened it and pulled out a plastic bag half full of briers. Kensei sensed great evil emanating from these thorns.

<"What manner of devilry is this">, he wondered aloud.

<"I...I do not know">, answered Ami not knowing the question was rhetorical.

<"Thank you, Ami">, said Kensei as he put the bag down and turned to regard her.<"I shudder to think where I would be without the help from you and your brother, Hideyoshi.">

<"It's nothing, Kensei">, she replied bashfully, <"We are just doing our duty that lord Izanagi set out for us.">

<"Yes, but the roll your family has played in the preservation of this planet has been invaluable. I see great promise in your brother...and in you, Ami.">

There eyes met and all went silent for what seemed like an eternity. Both too scared to admit what they felt in their hearts.

Ami quickly broke the uneasy silence.<"So, what do you plan to do now?">

Kensei moved to closet where various items were housed and began to gather things he would need for his journey.<"A Kitsune appeared to me tonight and told me to travel to Heijo Palace in Nara Prefecture. I will leave immediately.">

<"A Kitsune? It must be a dire quest indeed if a fox spirit appeared before you. Do you want me to join you?">

Kensei paused...and sighed.<"No, this is something I must do alone. I trust you and your brother to watch over my home until I return.">

<"Of course, we will make sure all is taken care of and kept safe.">

<"Excellent">, said Kensei as he made his way to the door. Before he could leave, Ami called out to him.

<"Be careful, Kensei! Please come back safe.">

Kensei stopped in the doorway and turned to regard Ami.
He smiled, <"Do not worry, Ami. I will return...you have my word.">

Kensei walked out and closed the door behind him, and started his journey to Nara.

<> = translated from Japanese

__________________"Take the risk of thinking for yourself, much more happiness, truth, beauty, and wisdom will come to you that way."

I spent a couple months trying to run from the monster within. No matter where I went, I couldn’t escape it. The transformations were the worst.

First, bat-like wings would sprout from my back. Then, my eyes would become narrower and turn blood red. My nose would reshape as a ridge on my face, with nostrils on either side. My lips would extend past the cheekbones and my teeth would sharpen. My ears would shrink down to almost nothing, and my hair would seemingly retract into my skull. My fingers would extend and the fingertips would become claws. My feet transformed into talons – three in the front, two in the back. My muscles would expand, and finally, my skin would change to a grayish brown color.

Had I not been so afraid of the monster, I might’ve been able to see the advantages that came with the transformations. My eyesight became much sharper, and I could see in the dark. My strength would increase tenfold, and my reaction time became much quicker. I had never tried it, but my wings seemed to suggest that I could fly, too.

However, I had serious concerns, and rightfully so. If the story was true, and if I was really the King of Demons, then I was due to return to the Demonic realm. There, I would be executed as a living sacrifice. Now, I may not have known what exactly I wanted to do with my life, but being sacrificed might throw a wet blanket into any plans.

I researched Demonism as thoroughly as I could. Like I told Professor Reilly, there was no evidence that Demons even existed, so most sources disregarded Demonism as a myth. There were sources that believed in Demonism. However, I could find no good news there. They all said that my fate was inescapable. I would not accept that.

My frantic search for answers alerted an old woman. She contacted me, claiming that she may have an option for me. Needless to say, I was so afraid that I willingly accepted any offer that may promise me a cure. Unfortunately, this woman’s option wasn’t quite conventional.

Her name was Frances Mulligan. Frances believed in the supernatural and the strange. She had a bookcase full of books about occults and mystical arts. Every day, for two weeks, she extracted blood from me. She wouldn’t tell me what she was doing with it, but frankly, I didn’t care. This woman was my last hope, and I was going to do anything she said.

Nonetheless, I was hesitant to participate in the ritual she prepared at the end of the two weeks. She lit the room with candles, and upon closer inspection, I could see that the candles were arranged in the shape of a pentagram. At the middle of the room was a medium-sized caldron. When I peered inside, I saw that it was filled with my blood.

Frances handed me the King’s Sword. She motioned for me to dip it into the caldron. I did so reluctantly, thinking all that blood was in vain. As I washed the sword with my now tainted blood, Frances stood back and recited enchantments from a book of Demonic spells.

I can hardly believe my eyes. The lettering on the sword begins to glow a deep red color. Suddenly, the glowing red energy is absorbed into my chest, filling my heart. It feels as though a weight is being lifted from me. Then, in that instant, all the candles are extinguished. Frances flips on the lights and I look down. Well, I still look the same.

“Is it over?” I ask her.

She nods, adding, “Go…live your life, and don’t fear anymore.”

I left that day, happy as I could be. I was no longer a monster, and I would never kill innocent people again.

"Remember, just fly over and snap some pictures. Nothing fancy Major. Over." The radio cackled.

"Yeah, I got it. Ten-four." I groaned. I could almost do this mission asleep. Fly over Russian air space, take some pictures, make sure that they aren't doing anything hostile.

Since when did America become the Police of the world anyway? It was supposed to be a haven, a place for those who wanted freedom. Not a place that imposes its rule on other countries.

My thoughts were quickly interrupted. The jet rocked, spun, and spiraled out of control. I gripped the control stick with both hands. Through my gloves, I knew my knuckles were turning white. It took all of my strength to try and direct the plane away from the ground.

Unfortunately, my strength was not enough, and I blacked out.

Forever later and and in no time at all I awoke.

"*It is good to see the Major is awake. Perhaps it is time he recieved his medicine?*" A man spoke in Russian and laughed.

I said nothing. I just struggled. I was strapped to a table, shirtless. What the hell was going on?

"*You do speak Russian, don't you, good Major?*"

**=Translated from Russian

I said nothing still. He had my dog tags in his hand, so he obviously knew all I was going to give him anyway. What I did was see if the straps had a weak point, or to see if I could force them open.

Nothing.

"*Well Major, it doesn't matter whether you wish to speak or not.*" He said again and stabbed me with a syringe.

If there was ever a chance, it was now. I figured that I could loosen the straps...

"AHHHHHH!" I yelled as I popped my shoulder out of the socket. It burned, but it gave me the slack I needed in the straps to rip them off of me.

"*Insane!*" The Russian yelled. For the first time I noticed a name tag, Yrui.

I popped my shoulder back into the socket, with more pain, and punched Yrui across the jaw and knocked him out.

I spit again on his unconcious form.

"Now. Where the hell am I?" I thought aloud to myself as I rubbed my shoulder.

**=Translated from Russian

__________________
Gut instinct predictions-Ben Affleck will rock as Batman. DoFP will bomb. Guardians of the Galaxy will be great. Winter Soldier will be the best of Phase 2. Age of Ultron will under-achieve. Feel free to call me out if I'm wrong.Oooga-chaka Oooga-chaka

Tyler sat in his couch running his hands through his hair; next to him a bottle of aspirin lay open with tiny little pills all over his couch.

Focus, focus you can do this Tyler.

His hand reaches to his collar and he pulls it as if he can’t breathe.

God I’m thristy.

This time both hands go to his temple and he begins to massage himself. He could hear indistinct sounds now.

Mar…You…I jus…

Good good your almost there.

Apartment two floors down

Relax baby your husband won’t be home for another 3 hours.

But what if someone knows?

Why don’t you tell it all to colonial stiffrod.

Oh…alright my colonial.

The door suddenly opens in Tyler’s apartment.

What the hell are you doing?

Ugh you know about the clean the pipes.

Caprice gives tyler a hard look.

Did you go to your appointment?

Have I told you how beautiful you look today?

Tyler my dad had to pull a lot of strings to set you up with that appointment the least you could have done was go.

Caprice bends slightly to take off her shoes exposing her cleavage. Tyler’s blood once again begins to boil only this time the thrist that had come over him had increased two-fold. He stood up and walked over toward Caprice grabbing her arm and pulling her toward him. Their eyes met as they stood motionless for a moment. Tyler could feel Caprice soft breathe as she breathed in and out slowly.

Mitch calls out the play as I strut to the right side of the field, we're up 31 to 14 and it's about halfway through the 4th quarter, the state finals and on the 30 going in. I know I'm getting the ball, so when Mitch yells hut for the third time, I'm gone down the field in my slant pattern.

Mitch throws the ball too high as I leave the ground to get the wobbly pass. A defensive back wraps his arms around my airborn legs as gravity takes it's effect and I fall. The defensive back lays out on the field as I come down on top of him, the ball securely in my hands, my right knee comes down hard on his helmet as a loud pop echoes through the field.

"Aaaaah!."

I yell out in pain and blackout into a world of darkness....

"Matt? Matt?"

My eyes slowly open, I'm flat on my back and looking up at a doctor and a host of people looking around me.

"Good, your awake."

"You alright, Byrd? You scared the **** out of me back there."

Coach Jacobs looks down at me and scratches his balding head.

"I...I guess...did we win coach?"

"Yeah, we sure did. State Champs thanks to you."

The doctor clears his throat as the attention shifts to him.

"Umm, if you'd excuse me. I'd like for everyone but Matthew's mother to leave to room so we could talk."

The room slowly empties as the doctor shuts the door behind Coach Jacobs.

"So, doctor. What does it look like?"

Mom walks next to my bedside and grabs my hand. The doctor opens up his clipboard and pulls out an X-Ray.

"Well, from what we can tell. Matthew dislocated his kneecap. We managed to set it back in place, but the damage was extensive. Both Matt's MCL and LCL tendons ruptured. The surgeon's removed the Ligaments before they could become infected."

I twist the sheets on my bed and look up at the doctor.

"What does this do to my football playing?"

The doctor sits down on a stool next to mom and I and shake his head.

"Well, the thing that makes you a good wideout is your route running ability, with these two tendons gone, I'm afraid any attempts to run will be futile....Your a......Your playing days are over, I'm sorry Matt."

I look up at him and look back down at the sheets, I feel my face gets hot as tears well up in my eyes.

"I'm sorry, Matt. I really am."

The doctor leaves the room and look back at mom.

"What about your scholarship to Florida? You signed that Letter of Intent, right?"

I shake my head and close my eyes, tears slowly running down my face.

"No, I was gonna wait till after the game to declare, the won't take me now. I've played football ever since I was 6, that's all I know. Not science or english, football. That's all I'm good at."

Mom finally breaks down and wraps her arms around my neck as I lay my head on her shoulder.

"What am I gonna do without football?...What am I gonna do without football?"

Today

Pain racks up and down my knee as I lay in bed, I don't even have to open my eyes to know it's raining. I guess that's one of the perks of blowing out your knee. The clock on my bedside tells me it's almost seven. So, it's a good a time as any to get up......

"Come on, you piece of ****. Turn over."

My little Toyota groans as I struggle to start it. I finally stop and lay my head on then steering wheel.

"Sounds like the timing belt, hon."

Mom walks up to the front of the car and taps the hood.

"Pop it open."

I reach down and pop it open as she lifts the hood up and looks down at the motor.

"Yep, the timing belt must of snapped. A new one should cost you twenty bucks."

I get out the car and walk up to mom.

"I guess I'm footing it to work today. Today I get payed so I'll run by Advanced after I get off work."

"Okay, just be careful. It's been raining on and off this morning. I don't want your slipping on your bad knee."

She reaches up and hugs me.

"Don't worry, I'll be safe."

Mom breaks her arms away and watches as I walk off to work....

The wire welder pops and throws sparks as I lay down a bead of molten metal on the shaft, slowly building it's diameter up to where I can machine it to it's right size.

"Matt! Matt!"

I cut the welder off and throw open my welding mask, my boss stands on the other side of the welding box.

"What's wrong, Bob?"

"Nothing, it's 5. Quitting time."

I smile and take my welding gloves off.

"Cool, let's go."

Bob puts his hand on my shoulder and looks at me.

"Hold up a sec, I wanted to talk to you about something. I know what today is, and you know what today is. But, I'm gonna have to ask if you wouldn't mind waiting a little while for your paycheck."

If there was ever a chance, it was now. I figured that I could loosen the straps...

"AHHHHHH!" I yelled as I popped my shoulder out of the socket. It burned, but it gave me the slack I needed in the straps to rip them off of me.

"*Insane!*" The Russian yelled. For the first time I noticed a name tag, Yrui.

I popped my shoulder back into the socket, with more pain, and punched Yrui across the jaw and knocked him out.

I spit again on his unconcious form.

"Now. Where the hell am I?" I thought aloud to myself as I rubbed my shoulder.

**=Translated from Russian

I stepped out of the room and doubled over. The pain in my stomache was incredible.

"Get...through...it..." I muttered to myself. Washington wouldn't have quit halfway through the Revolution. I could put aside a little stomache pain to escape some Russian hideaway.

I stood up straight, and my head spun.

Then I threw up. The virus, whatever that Russian freak had put in me, was messing with my system.

I had to get past it, and I would. A little nausea is nothing to a Major.

It was merely an obstacle, and I went through it and hijacked a Russian aircraft.

I was going home.

__________________
Gut instinct predictions-Ben Affleck will rock as Batman. DoFP will bomb. Guardians of the Galaxy will be great. Winter Soldier will be the best of Phase 2. Age of Ultron will under-achieve. Feel free to call me out if I'm wrong.Oooga-chaka Oooga-chaka